As a Historically Black College, Texas College honors and recognizes the contributions of Black individuals for their preceding and continuous monumental work and achievements that have paved the way for current and future generations. This circadian reverence for the aforementioned remains engrained into the campus of Texas College, standing on the shoulders of giants that have made Texas College what it is today.
With the annual opportunity to celebrate the month-long acknowledgement that is Black History Month, Texas College asserts that the observance remains meaningful and important, as it provides monumental context of the contributions of a people who were once considered disenfranchised. It further showcases, both historically and factually, how Blacks and other ethnicities were interwoven into the foundation of America’s beginnings and continuity. And, although there were historical moments of struggle that were both challenging and concerning, such struggles are now accountable to the formation of a resilient nation with successes that make up the fabric of a powerful national society. One should be reminded that many historical incidents that have occurred cannot be changed, but one should also be admonished to remembering that such events have led to contemporary strengths and weaknesses and they should not be relived.
In celebration of Black History Month, the College hosted a multitude of activities throughout the month, as well as shared various informational digital presentations relating to Black History. See below for a brief recapitulation of Black History Month at Texas College. Kindly note that these items are separated into two categories: 1) Informational Digital Presentations; and 2) Activities and Events.
Informational Digital Presentations
Acknowledging the Significance of HBCUs
Map of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (hbcumaps.com)
In recognition of Black History Month, invited individuals to pause for a moment and reflect on the development of institutions that for more than a century have influenced the growth and development of a people. In this regard, briefly learn of the importance of these institutions now proudly referred to as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
VIEW ACKNOWLEDGING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HBCUS
Texas College Trailblazers
Collage of the Texas College Trailblazers featured
In celebration of Black History Month, the College compiled a brief list of eight Black influential figures, or trailblazers, that are also Texas College Alumni and have greatly impacted the institution, as well as beyond. With 130 years of rich history and countless successful trailblazing alumni, this list is by no means exhaustive, nor is it aimed to be. Rather, this feature is a mere glimpse into just some of the individuals that were impacted by Texas College and utilized their education to become meaningful influencers beyond the gates of the College.
VIEW TEXAS COLLEGE TRAILBLAZERS
Video Vignettes
Collage of the Video Vignettes featured
In celebration of Black History Month, the College provided a series of brief video vignettes that highlight the significance of the month. The presentations feature a variety of historical contexts and figures that illustrate the importance of Black history.
Remarks from President Fennell
Activities and Events
Kicking Off Black History Month
Texas College students pose for a photograph in front of the Whataburger food truck on campus.
To kick off Black History Month, Texas College collaborated with UNCF and Whataburger to provide all students, faculty, and staff free Whataburger meals on February 6. With the Whataburger food truck on the Steer Walk providing free lunch, the celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced with a variety of other activities and booths for the Texas College Family to engage in, as the College began Black History Month festivities. 
Texas College Choir Performances
The Texas College Choir performs at Antioch Fellowship Church's Black History program in Dallas, Texas.
Following their stunning performance as special guests at UNCF's 34th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Virtual Celebration in January, the Texas College Choir continued their prominent presence in the community in celebration of Black History Month. Astoundingly, the Texas College Choir publicly performed over 10 times throughout the month of February with a variety of performances throughout Tyler and beyond. As always, the Choir did not disappoint, harmoniously gracing the audience's ears with their myriad of voices.
Notably, The Texas College Choir served as featured musical guests at Antioch Fellowship Church's Black History program in Dallas, Texas, alongside recording artists Janice Craig and Karen Clark-Sheard for a live recording feature. The Choir also joined recording artist Chester D.T. Baldwin at Liberty Baptist Church's “Let’s Go Back to the Old Time Way Black History Event” in Tyler.
The Choir also performed for multiple Black History Month programs throughout the Tyler Independent School District, including Bonner Elementary, T.J. Austin Elementary, and Tyler Legacy High School. They also assembled for a performance at the Tyler Senior Center's Black History Month program. The Choir congruently afforded their musical talents to the Black History Knowledge Bowl in Tyler.
Texas College Choir Soloist Jared Shears (right) performs at the CBS 19 news station as CBS 19 Anchor Mariah Conduff enjoys the selection.
In addition to their community performances, the Texas College Choir was also featured on new stations CBS 19, KETK 56, and FOX 51 for their special presentations on Black History Month. For each feature, Texas College Choir Soloist Jared Shears proudly performed his rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the Negro National Anthem.
Aside from their musical performances, the Texas College Choir also partnered with 3-N-1 Trinity Services, a non-profit that helps to improve children, families and communities, to host “Seat At The Table: A Crown Awaits You!” This event, in celebration of Black History Month, was a two-day transformative youth development program that empowered over 40 young girls, aged 8-16, by focusing on positive self-esteem, soft skills, leadership, grace, and dining etiquette. In conjunction with 3-N-1 Trinity Services staff, women members of the Texas College Choir served as volunteer mentors and helped to facilitate the various facets and sessions of the program, as well as provided musical entertainment.
Miss Tashira Johnson, Student Government Association President and Choir member, poses for a photograph with some of the “Seat At The Table: A Crown Awaits You!” participants in the Texas College Choir Room.
The workshop offered a nurturing space for young girls to develop essential life skills, including positive self-esteem, soft skills, and leadership qualities, as well as to refine their grace and master dining etiquette. The two-day event culminated with an "Evening of Elegance," in the Texas College Choir Room. Immerse in an atmosphere of grace and style, the young ladies exuded elegance and charm as donned evening wear and showcased their newly acquired skills.
Throughout the month of February, the Texas College Choir provided a multitude of stunning performances for the community, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted as they celebrated Black History Month.
"To Pave the Way for His People" Book Presentation
Dr. Edward Robinson, Associate Professor of History and Religion, discusses his newly published book "To Pave the Way for His People" at the College's Black History Month book presentation.
Dr. Edward Robinson, Associate Professor of History and Religion, in conjunction with Student Support Services, hosted a book presentation for Black History Month on Wednesday, February 14. The activity will surrounded Dr. Robinson's newly published book, "To Pave the Way for His People." The book is a biography of Preston Taylor, one of the most powerful and prominent African Americans during the Progressive Era. To learn more about Preston Taylor, Dr. Robinson's new book is available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.
Voting Workshop
Dr. Robert Butts, Assist Professor of History, discusses the Voting Rights Act of 1965 at the the College's Black History Month Voting Workshop.
In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Robert Butts, Assistant Professor of History, in conjunction with Student Support Services, hosted a voting workshop for students, as well as faculty and staff, on Monday, February 12. The Voting Workshop not only included voter registration opportunities, but congruently provided invaluable information and insight into voting. Dr. Butts' comprehensive presentation engagingly afforded important historical and political contexts necessary to understand the significance of voting, especially for previously disenfranchised populations.
Steers Club Activities
Students involved in the Steers Club discuss Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to begin their Black History Month festivities.
The Steers Club, formally referred to as the Library Club, hosted multiple activities in celebration of Black History Month. As an early and eager start to their festivities, the Steers Club elected to merge the celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s (typically celebrated on January 15) with Black History Month to host a viewing and roundtable discussion of Rev. Dr. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech on January 31. The activity included a viewing of the speech, which then transitioned into a meaningful and engaging roundtable filled with intellectual dialogue about the speech’s cultural relevance, social and historical context, as well as universal appeal. From their discussion, a plan of action was unanimously decreed as each Steers Club member pledged to spread awareness to and consciously practice the same principles that Rev. Dr. King emphasized in his unparalleled historical speech.
The Steers Club also presented a Black History Month Poetry Slam to provide a creative and artistic outlet and space for students, with works centered around Black history contexts. The Steers Club also hosted a viewing of the movie "The Color Purple," which afforded an exciting discussion after the film.
ABOUT THE STEERS CLUB: The Steers Club is an academic organization with a special emphasis on intellectual activities for overall student enrichment. With weekly meetings every Wednesday, students assemble to engage in an academic dialogue for the purposes of academic teaching and enlightenment. The Steers Club is sponsored by Mrs. Linda Simmons-Henry, Director of the Library, Mr. Craytonius Robinson, Library Coordinator, and Mr. Mingle Moore, English Professor.
